Timing mechanism



June 14, 1960 c, JAMES 2,941,050

TIMING MECHANISM Filed June 1, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. HENRY C. JAMES A T TOPNEVS June 14, 1960 H. 0. JAMES 2,941,050

TIMING MECHANISM Filed June 1, 1956 f/GLZ 24 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 mmvron HENRY C. JAMES BYWJM ATTO/PNEYS 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 1, 1956 INVENTOR. HENRY C. JAMES By W 5/ 4 7 AT TORNEVS June 14, 1960 c, JAMES 2,941,050

TIMING MECHANISM Filed June 1, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. HENRY C. JAMES WZW ATTORNEYS United States Patent '0 TIMING MECHANISM Henry C. James, 5307 E. 14th St., Oakland, Calif.

Filed June 1, 1956, Ser. No. 588,729

2 Claims. (Cl. 200-37) My invention relates to means for affording a timed program control for an actuated unit, effective to send impulses to the unit for setting it at the previously selected stations at the indicated times.

More particularly the invention relates to a tinting clock for use in pro-setting a program, for example, for a television set which is provided with mechanism for tuning the set to various different stations.

It is an object of my invention to provide a timing mechanism which can readily be utilized in connection with an existing tuning mechanism for operating a television receiver, for example, in accordance with a preselected program.

Another object of the invention is to provide a timing mechanism in the nature of a clock usable in the ordinary way and having in addition the capability of selecting and activating a program on the television set when desired.

Another object of the invention is to provide a timing mechanism effective for a number of different television channels at different times.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a readily set timing mechanism and one which, when set, will retain its setting until changed by the operator.

Another object of the invention is to provide a timing mechanism which accurately switches from one condition to another at the appointed time.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a simple, direct, inexpensive timing mechanism.

Other objects together with the foregoing are attained in the embodiment of the invention described in the accompanying description and shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric front view of the timing mechanism constructed in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 is a plan of the interior of the timing mechanism, certain parts being shown in cross-section and certain parts being broken away to disclose the arrangement.

Figure 3 is a cross-section the plane of which is indicated by the line 3--3 of Figure 2, part of the figure being broken away to reduce its size.

Figure 4 is a cross-section, the plane of which is indicated by the line 44 of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a detailed cross-section, the plane of which is indicated by the line 5-5 of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a view corresponding to Figure 3 but is a rear elevation ofthe timing mechanism.

a Figure 7 is an isometric exploded view of part of the setting pin mechanism.

In the practical embodiment of the invention as shown in the drawings there is provided an exterior clock casing 6 of substantially the customary kind having supporting feet 7 and adornments 8 in the customary fashion. Mountedon the casing 6 is a cover 9 secured in place by a spring hinge 11 so that it can occupy the position shown in Figure 1 or can be swung substantially at right angles thereto out of the way. The cover 9 is slightly opaque but its center portion is provided with a window 12 through which the interior is visible. Partly occupying the opening 12 is a cover glass 13 having indicia 14 around the periphery thereof. The indicia are the customary numerals found on the face of a clock with intervening markings to designate the time intervals. While the twenty-four hour system can be utilized, the present disclosure is of the customary twelve hour dial.

Situated concentrically with the dial 14 is a plurality of clock shafts. The center shaft 16 revolves once per minute and carries a sweep hand 17 thereon. Surrounding the shaft 16 is a minute shaft 18 which has a minute hand 19 fastened thereon and inturn surrounding that shaft is an hour shaft 20 having an hour hand 21 fastened thereon. In order to drive the hands at the proper relative ratio, at the indicated relative speeds, there is afforded an electrically driven synchronous motor '22 sup plied with electricity from any convenient source and as is customary caused to revolve in synchronism with a timed source so that the hour shaft 20 revolves once each twelve hours, the minute shaft 18 revolves once each hour, and the sweep hand 17 revolves once each minute. For that reason the various shafts 16, 18, and 20 are connected to the driving motor 22 through appropriate gearing generally designated 23. A hand set knob 24 is provided for initially conditioning the apparatus to the desired position. As so far described the mechanism amounts substantially to the customary synchronous clock and can be utilized as such.

In accordance with the invention I provide means for carrying out a timing or programming function. Designed to rotate in synchronism with the hour. hand 21 and therefore fastened on the shaft 20 is a disc 26 occupying substantially the entire transverse area of the casing 6. The disc 26 (Figure 4) in its central portion is provided with an annular band 27 carrying indicia 28 thereon of the usual kind to indicate twelve hours and also properly indicia 29 indicating the quarter hours. Outside of the ring or annular band 27 the disc 26 is at fifteen minute or quarter hour intervals provided with a plurality of radially extending slots 31. These are preferably of an extent to traverse the remaining part of the disc from the annular band 27 practically to the edge of the disc. Intersecting the various slots 31 are indicia preferably in the form of lightly turned grooves 32 extending concentrically and circumferentially on the face of the disc. Since this device is designed primarily for use in connection with television receiving sets and since there are at present a maximum of approximately seven different television channels in any area there are seven concentric grooves 32, each being designated by an appropriate channel number 33. In addition, it is convenient to have each of the grooves 32 of suflicient extent as to receive a coloration such as paint contrasting with the background color of the disc so that the individual grooves are identified not only by the indicia 33 but also by their individual colors.

There are preferably provided in each of the radial slots 31 a slidable pin mechanism 34. The construction of the pin mechanism is rather special and is illustrated in detail in Figure 7. The pin 34 is preferably made in two parts. There is a male part 36 having ahemispherical terminus 37 at one end and an intermediate flange 38 together with a central projection 39. Conveniently this part of the pin is made of a suitable plastic material. The other major part 41 of the pin 34 is of a similar contour as to the hemispherical end 42 and its flange 43. However, it is provided with a socket 44 to receive the projection 39. The fit between these parts is relatively close when they are pushed together so that they are not easily dislodged. They are not directly pushed against the disc 26, however. a spring washer 46 preferably slightly cupped and fabricated of a suitable material suchas spring bronze. On the other sidethere'is a-washer 47 preferably fabricated of a silicone impregnated fabric or a silicone plastic. Theparts are assembled as shown in Figure 7 with the projection 39 tightly forced into the pin 41. The spring washer 456 absorbs some of the assembly compression and assures a tight sliding engagement of the pin 34 in the Slot 31, but the sliding is accomplished readily and with a small amount of friction inasmuch as the silicone washer 47 is in effect a lubricant or hasa very low coefficient of friction. 7 By this construction the pins 34 are readily assembled in the'slots 31 on the disc 26 and are easily moved from one radial position to another yet accurately stay in a set radial position. iently they are all arranged at the intersection of one of the channel circles indicated by the indicia 32 or at the outermost extremity of the particular slot 31. This outermost extremity represents an off position. By appropriately setting the various pins 34 an individual may pre-select any particular channel for any desired 15-minute interval over a twelve hour period, and may also set one or more of the pins 34 in the off position in the event the television receiver is not to be actuated for a time interval.

In order to render the pin position effective there is situated symmetrically about the shaft 20 and parallel to the disc 26 a mounting plate 51. This is preferably secured by standoff posts 52 which are cut away to accommodate the disc 26 and are secured to the front face of the casing 6. Conveniently the driving motor 22 is itself connected by appropriate fasteners 53 to the same mounting plate 51. c

On the forward side of the mounting plate there is disclosed an insulating block '4 serving as a support for a plurality of switches 56 all of which are substantially identical so that the description of one applies as well to the others. These switches are preferably eight in number corresponding to the seven channels represented by the grooves on the disc 26 and also representing the outermost extremity or off position of the slots. Each of the switches 56 as especially shown in Figure 5 is designed to be actuated by a pin occupying the position coincident with one of the grooves 32 in its path. For that reason, each switch includes a spring leaf 57 secured by a fastening 58 to the mounting block 5 4 and extended suificiently so that it has its'terminus adjacent the vertical diameter of the mechanism. At this outer extremity the leaf 57 carries an insulating projection 59 which has a hemispherical end 61 thereon substantially matching the hemispherical end such as 37 or 42 of the pin 34.

The leading hemispherical portion 61 and 42 for cxample readily pass over each other and produce a displacement of the switch spring 57 even though the parts may be somewhat misaligned in manufacture or' use. This hemispherical inter-engagement between the pin and the switch iS important since the user does not always position the pin accurately in a radial direction and after protracted use the switch springs 57 sometimes change position. In any event, within very wide limits and despite this mechanical discrepancy the hemispherical interacting portions engage each other smoothly without ever having any undue load upon the driving mechanism and produce --a substantial displacement of the switch spring 57. The displacement is effective to close contacts 62 and 63 respectively mounted on the switch spring and the block 54. These contacts are in a circuit (not shown completely) but represented by the conductors 64 and which lead to the appropriate parts of an actuator disposed in the tuning part of the television receiver. This tuning mechanism is not shown in detail since it forms no part of the present invention and is a standard item.

'It is sufiicient to say that an appropriate electrical im Convert-t On one side there is provided pass the switch projection 61 and in addition the cams 67' pulse through the circuit 64 is effective to produce a corresponding change, or setting, of the television receiver represented by the particular switch 56 which happens to be actuated. Also if the lowermost or ofif switch 56 is actuated, the mechanism at the television tuner is effective to turn the receiver off.

Since it is desired thatthe switching of stations occur at a rather precisely pie-selected time, and since the hour disc moves relatively slowly so that the actuation of any one ofthe switches 56 is only approximately at the desired time, I provide a secondary mechanism for completing the circuitthrouglr the conductor 64 more nearly on the exact instant desired. For that reason, on the minute shaft 18 there is provided a gear 66 having struck up at quarterly intervals cams 67 projecting from the face of the gear. Projecting into the path of the cams 67 is a secondary switch generally designated 68. This includes a block of insulating material 69 supported on a slide 7 1, secured on the'plate 51 by a bracket 72 having fastenings 70 therein extending to an arcuate slot 73 so that when the fastenings 70 are loose the brackets 7 .1 can be moved to an exact position and then upon tightening of the fastenings can be secured firmly in place. Tr e switch 66 includes a number of spring arms 74 and 75 for example, and included with a pair of such arms are secondary contacts 76 and 77 included in series with the conductors 64 by a pair of leads 78 and 79. Current com ing in to the switch 68 through the lead 78 passes through the switch 68 (when closed) into the lead '79 and from thence to the conductor 64 and the respective contacts 63. The circuit is then traced through whichever contact 62 is in abutment with its respective contact 63 and so through the respective conductor 64. The return (not 7 shown) is from the conductors 64 through a source of electricity to the lead 78. Thus, the switches 56 and 68 are in series. The operation of this'mechanism is effective upon accurate setting of the brackets 71 so that the rotation of the cams 67 each quarter hour produces a meeting of the contacts 76' and 77. These are brought together just an instant prior to the time that the spring finger 63 rides off of the cams 67 so that quite accurately at the expiration of a quarter hour an impulse is sent through the condutcors 78 and '79 and whichever one of the conductors 64 happens to be energized due to the relatively long-term closure of the switch contacts 62 and 63 by the relatively slow camming action of the pin 34 pertinent thereto. V

In the'operation of this structure when the motor 22 is properly energized and conductors 64 are connected to the tuning unit of the television receiver, the device is utilized as a regular clock when the cover '9 is closed. The cover 9 however, can readily be opened by swinging back the hinge 11 and the interior ring or annulus 27 on the disc 26 indicates a twelve hour period by 15-minute intervals. The user then preselects his desired operation by radially moving the pin 34 in and out either to off position or teen position at the selected one of the indicated channels. The fact that the disc 26 carries its own hourly indicia annulus 27 makes it unnecessary to depend upon the clock indicia annulus 14. The user sets the pin 34 in accordance with the showing of the interior annulus 27 and without regard to the showing of the exterior annulus 14. The disc 26 is however geared with respect tothe hand 21 in such afashion that the indicia 28 on the annulus 27 are correctly positioned when the various pins are correctly positioned for accurately timed'operation.

After all of the pins 34 have been set there is a predetermined program at lS-minuteintervals fora twelve hour period. The set can be off or on or the same chan.-'

nel can be continued from time to time unless it is changed or interrupted. The settings can be changed at any time so that the program can be varied from day to day. Since the load pinch the clockwork by the revolving disc 26 all is relatively light due to the ready hemispherical engage ment of the parts 42 and 59 and because of the provision of the secondary contacts 76 and 77 there is provided herewith an accurate preset timing mechanism especially useful in connection with television receivers although obviously other uses can be accomplished. It is quite possible to revolve the disc 26 at one revolution for each 24 hours and to have double the number of radial slots so that 24-hour programming can be accomplished. At present, however, it is sufficient to use a 12-hour program period and to provide a shutofi switch manually controlled (not shown) for inactivating the mechanism overnight for example. In general there has been provided an improved timing mechanism capable of regulating a television receiver at 15-minute intervals and between a number of channels over the desired program period.

What is claimed is:

1. A timing mechanism comprising a frame, a disc rotatable on said frame, said disc having a radial slot therethrough, a non-conducting pin in said slot slidable radially in frictional engagement with said disc into any selected position in said slot, said pin having a terminus projecting on one side of said disc and having a convexly rounded end projecting on the other side of said disc, a mounting plate fastened stationarily on said frame parallel to said disc, a mounting block on said plate, a plurality of first switch contacts mounted on said block, a plurality of leaf springs mounted on said block, a plurality of second switch contacts mounted on said leaf springs in operable relation to said first switch contacts, 3

a plurality of non-conducting projections mounted on said leaf springs in a radial line, each of said projections having a convexly rounded end approximately in the path of said rounded end of said pin in one of several radial positions thereof, and means for including said first switch contacts and said second switch contacts in a circuit.

2. A timing mechanism comprising a frame, a disc rotatable on said frame, said disc having a radial slot therethrough, a non-conducting pin in said slot slidable radially in frictional engagement with said disc into any selected position in said slot, said pin having a terminus projecting on one side of said disc and a convexly rounded end projecting on the other side of said disc, a mounting block on said frame on said other side of said disc, a plurality of first switch contacts mounted on said block substantially in a radial line, a plurality of leaf springs mounted on said block, a plurality of second switch contacts mounted on said leaf springs in operable relation to said first switch contacts, a plurality of nonconducting convexly rounded projections arranged substantially in a radial line, each of said projections being mounted on one of said leaf springs approximately in the path of said rounded end of said pin in one of several radial positions thereof, and means for including said first and second switch contacts in a circuit.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 746,998 Schmidt Dec. 15, 1903 1,671,389 Winning May 29, 1928 2,045,251 Raber June 23, 1936 2,197,312 Nelson Apr. 16, 1940 2,421,881 Heasty June 10, 1947 2,501,274 Hamilton Mar. 21, 1950 2,560,803 Landells July 17, 1951 2,611,430 Elliott Sept. 23, 1952 2,636,981 Benow Apr. 28, 1953 

